Welcome to the Author Interview. This time, it features the lovely Caroline Cartier, author of Not Without Affection.
If you’re an author who’d like to take part in the series, email me: debbie@myrandommusings.co.uk
Now over to Caroline.
1 Firstly, tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m 43 and I still haven’t settled on what I’ll be when I grow up. I came from a disadvantaged background with the proverbial evil mother who detested literacy, books, and education. In my time, I have been a mail carrier, a school bus driver, and a surgical coordinator.
When I was 38, I graduated from college with a degree in Health Information Technology. I found working in medical administration exceptionally rewarding, but sadly I injured my spine during the pandemic and now I write books on my phone because I can do it while lying flat.
I’ve worn a lot of hats, but I have enjoyed writing Not Without Affection tremendously and I hope that when I finish growing up, I will call myself an author.
2 Tell us a little bit about your books
As an emerging author, I do not yet have many books available. Not Without Affection is an Austen inspired work about a forced marriage quartet where Elizabeth is compelled by her family to marry against her will to Mr Collins. We get a glimpse of what may have occurred at Longbourn if Elizabeth’s sisters resented her unwillingness to save the family and observe the resultant effects of the estrangement from her family.
Other works of mine include The Victorian Vagaries, a Victorian Era Austenesque quartet that will release later in 2024.
3 Where do you find your inspiration for your books?
I most often find inspiration when I am reading, or occasionally, while I am watching television. It doesn’t even need to be JAFF (Jane Austen fan fiction) or period drama. It could be Yellowstone, or old episodes of ER. Something I read or watch will set off a trail of dialogue in my head and I simply must open my WIPS document and put down a few lines. When my creative battery is low, I tend to read and watch period drama voraciously until my battery is recharged.
4 What, for you, is the best thing about being a writer?
For me, I think it is the opportunity to see my daydreams come alive on the page.
5: And the worst?
So far, it has been opening myself up for reviews and criticism.
6 If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and why?
I think that with my injuries and health issues, I would choose the ability to self heal rapidly.
7 Do you have any tips for anyone wanting to write their first book?
JUST DO IT.
8 Tell us one random fact about you
I collect china patterns and ceramic Christmas trees.
9 Who is your favourite author?
That is the hardest question. How could you pick just one? Jane Austen, obviously. If I had to pick another, I would have to go with Mr Tolkien.
10 And what is your favourite book?
From a reader’s perspective, I would have to say The Lord of The Rings trilogy. Thirty years after reading it for the first time, I cannot recall ever encountering another such masterpiece. I read it over and over until the pages fell out and then I kept them in a stack next to my bed and kept reading them until my mom threw them away.
From a writer’s perspective, I would have to say The Host by Stephanie Meyer. There is something about the entire plot that enchants me. I am not one for science fiction, but Ms Meyer did it in a way that I feel calls to women and girls. A pod people story about a girl? From the perspective of the parasite? And in a manner that makes you feel empathy for it? Genius. At least twice a year, I have to read it over, and marvel at what a great idea it was and hope that one day I have an idea that good.
11 What book are you reading right now?
I’m in between books just now. I have just finished A Pair of Sparkling Eyes by Andreea Catana, and I haven’t decided what I will read next.
12 Where is your favourite place to write?
In my camper. I’ve adopted it as my she shed, and when I need solitude and quiet, I tend to isolate myself out there for days with my dog. My dream is to one day have a real she shed for writing, a fancy one.
13 Do you prefer to write in silence, or do you have a writing soundtrack?
I definitely need silence to write.
14 What can we expect from you next?
The Victorian Vagaries. An Austenesque quartet that follows Elizabeth and Darcy through their courtship, and later as they assist and protect their sisters in society. Bringing ODC thirty or so years into the future opened an entire new landscape of possibilities while keeping closely to the rules, manners, and courtesy we know and love in Regency drama.
Characters from other Jane Austen novels join us on the journey, though not how you might expect, and the third volume even takes a peek at the potato famine. Watch for the rapid release this summer.
15 Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’d love to share the synopsis of Not Without Affection.
When Mr Collins visits Longbourn, Elizabeth Bennet is shocked by the sycophantic behaviour of her family toward the Longbourn heir. Mrs Bennet declares that any of her daughters had better accept the man if he offers for them, and Elizabeth quickly comes to suspect that her father will not defend them should they wish to refuse.
Despite her protestations, Elizabeth finds herself engaged to her cousin against her will and her sisters turned against her, showing Elizabeth harsh revelations about Jane’s true character. She makes plans to escape the untenable situation, with help from Charlotte, and surprisingly, Mr Darcy, but the marriage moves forward despite their efforts and Lizzy is forced to accept her fate.
When Elizabeth is unexpectedly relieved of her unwanted husband, her new friends at Rosings support her as she builds her new life, while Mr Darcy is relieved to have a chance to win her heart but knows he must wait to court her to preserve her reputation.
While he suffers the long wait of her mourning until she can be courted, Elizabeth must decide if she is willing to try again, as estate matters and other parties threaten to end the match before it is made in this Pride and Prejudice variation.
16 Where can we find you?
You can find me on my Amazon author page, Facebook, and my website.
You can find me here: My writing blog, Twitter Facebook Pinterest and Instagram Please do stop by and say hi!
Leave a Reply